Evening Entertainment in Canterbury - Pub rock, Live Jazz, Nightclubs

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Famed in the 1960s as the birthplace of bands like Soft Machine and Caravan, the small city of Canterbury is still a big deal among rock and pop performers. You can hear them at top venues like the Spitfire Ground, which also hosts cricket. Canterbury has more intimate venues too, presenting comedy, live jazz, and folk music. You'll also hear live bands at pubs and bars in places like Whitstable.

Music, dancing, and sports

You can treat your ears and feet to live music at an array of quirky venues in and around Canterbury's town centre. Fans of Latin American dance music should follow the sounds of tango and samba to the century-old Westgate Hall. The home of Kent's county cricket club, Spitfire Ground is named after a famous Canterbury ale and hosts big rock concerts in the open air, as well as top-notch cricket.

Spitfire Ground

Home of local cricket club the Kent Spitfires, this popular venue hosts exciting sports fixtures through the summer. It's also Canterbury's biggest venue for rock concerts by big-name British bands like Madness and other, international stars.

You can join Canterbury locals dancing to salsa and ceroc at Westgate Hall. Built in 1913, it was rescued from demolition and restored a few years ago. The spacious hall also hosts regular performances by visiting bands.

Rock, comedy, and cabaret

You'll hear live rock, jazz, and blues at some lively venues in central Canterbury. The Ballroom is a stylish 18th-century building that is now a popular venue for local and touring musicians. Fancy yourself as a rock or comedy star? You can take the stage at open mic nights here.

The Lady Luck

If your musical tastes run to punk-flavoured rock, you'll love the raucous sounds and pub atmosphere at the Lady Luck. Here visitors rub shoulders with the loyal local audience, and a good time is had by all.

Canterbury's club scene

For Canterbury's many students, the nightlife scene revolves around on-campus bars and dance venues. If you're a visiting academic, your university ID may gain you admission to some of these. If not, you can still have your pick of big, buzzing spots like Club Chemistry and Steinbeck and Shaw, where DJs spin the latest dance anthems and classic club tunes.

Club Chemistry

Club Chemistry is a cavernous club where the sounds range from current chart hits to classic dance and hip hop. You can choose your space from several bars and lounges, VIP areas, and 3 separate dance floors.

One of Canterbury's most stylish clubs has taken over the venue formerly known as Chill with a lavish refurbishment. The savvy owners have since created a reliably lively atmosphere for an audience that likes to party.

Live music in Whitstable

For a change of scene from Canterbury, simply hop on a train to Whitstable and enjoy a night of pub rock at the seaside. The town may be small, but it has busy bar scene. You can rub shoulders with locals and listen to their favorite bands at music-oriented pubs like the Duke of Cumberland.

The Duke of Cumberland

You'll find an eclectic playlist at this friendly Whitstable pub. The Duke Of Cumberland hosts flamenco, blues, Cuban salsa ensembles, percussionists, and more. Friday nights are devoted to dancing, and you can fuel up beforehand with some quality pub-grub.